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The World’s Top 5 Luxury Rail Journeys

There’s nothing quite like discovering the world by rail – impossibly scenic routes revealing that travel is as much about the journey as it is the destination. From crossing the mighty Swiss Alps on route to Venice’s storied beauty to sweeping through the terracotta wilderness of Australia’s uninhabited centre, there is no better way to relive the Golden Age of travel than by luxury rail.

And that said, it’s certainly not worth settling for second best. Here, The Luxury Holiday Company takes a look at the top five luxury rail journeys in the world that will be sure to put you on the right track.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Indulge in the opulence of the world’s most iconic rail journey as you travel from London to Venice aboard the incredible Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Think Art Deco splendour, fine dining, even finer wining and an attentive butler service all combined with some of Europe’s most enchanting landscapes rushing past your personal cabin’s picture window. The lovingly restored 1920s carriages will see you stepping back in time to all the elegance of a bygone era whilst for years to come the mere uttering of the words “Orient Express” will evoke nostalgia only worthy of this once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Rocky Mountaineer

It’s not often that you can satisfy your appetite for adventure without compromise. But, with the Rocky Mountaineer’s glass-domed carriages and split-level dining cars, there’s no need to reduce your expectations of luxury as you traverse the craggy Canadian Rockies – the ultimate natural world thrill. Skirt the crystalline waters of glacier-fed lakes, marvel at imposing snow-capped peaks and slice through the dense verdure of old-growth forests without missing a single thing. Seven-time winner of the ‘World’s Leading Travel Experience by Train’, Rocky Mountaineer is all about bringing 5-star service to the unbounded corners of Canada’s wild remotes.

Rocky Mountaineer in Banff National Park, Canada

Rocky Mountaineer

Belmond Andean Explorer

Peru, a land punctuated by ancient icons, colourful cities and the mist-shrouded Andes. Here, industry darlings Belmond reigns supreme, providing some of the most spectacular accommodation in the country, and it’s not all static. Having marvelled at Machu Picchu, board the Andean Explorer  train to experience the dramatic beauty of the Andes’ towering peaks between the gourmet spreads laid on in Peruvian influenced modern carriages – expect traditional performances to complement vistas of alpaca-dotted plains.

Belmond Andean Explorer in the Peruvian Andes

Andean Explorer

The Ghan

Tracing the route of Australia’s pioneering cameleers through the rolling expanse of the country’s spectacular ochre outback, a journey on the Ghan isn’t just vintage wines and gourmet dishes but a commemoration of the country’s unique history. This incredible sojourn will transport you, cross-continent, from the wild tropics of Darwin right down to the Adelaide’s south-coast city delights, taking in everything from remote cattle stations and mining towns to the rich Aboriginal heritage of Alice Springs and the rugged Outback landscapes of Katherine Gorge.

 

The Ghan in the Australian Outback

The Ghan

Golden Eagle: Trans-Siberian Express

From made-to-order breakfasts to free-flowing champagne accompanied by the sounds of the onboard baby grand, the Golden Eagle offers classic luxury at its very best. Tracing the soaring mountains and vast Mongolian plains between Moscow’s iconic architecture and the busy Pacific port of Vladivostok – an incredible 6,000 miles to the east – this journey is possibly the ultimate in adventure rail experiences.

Golden Eagle passing Lake Baikal, Russia

Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express

To book any of the journeys featured, or for more information and expert advice on the world’s great rail journeys and a whole host of other luxury tailor-made holidays, contact The Luxury Holiday Company today.

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